How to make turtle cheesecake

Learn how to make a decadent turtle cheesecake that combines rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans atop a smooth cheesecake base. This indulgent dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious treat. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a stunning turtle cheesecake that impresses both in taste and presentation.

Turtle Cheesecake

Andrea

Discover how to make turtle cheesecake with this easy recipe. Featuring a smooth cheesecake base topped with rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans, this dessert is perfect for any special occasion. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a show-stopping turtle cheesecake that will delight everyone.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Ingredients

  

Caramel Sauce

• 2 cups (414g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 5 tbsp (41g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/4 cup (28g) pecan chips

Crust

• 2 cups (268g) cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (28g) pecan chips

Filling

• 4 oz (2/3 cup | 116g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 6 tbsp (90ml) heavy whipping cream
• 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (144g) light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (230g) sour cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

Chocolate Drizzle

• 2 oz (1/3 cup | 58g) sweet chocolate chips
• 2 oz (1/3 cup | 58g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

 

Caramel Sauce Preparation

• Melt 414g sugar in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly (about 10 minutes).
• Once sugar is melted and amber-colored, remove from heat.
• Whisk in 112g butter until combined (mixture will bubble).
• Slowly incorporate 240g heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
• Set aside 1 cup for topping. Mix 41g flour and 28g pecan chips into the remaining caramel.

Crust Preparation

• Preheat oven to 163°C (325°F).
• Mix 268g cracker crumbs, 112g melted butter, 45g brown sugar, and 28g pecan chips.
• Press mixture into a lined 23cm (9-inch) springform pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
• Reduce oven temperature to 148°C (300°F).

Filling Preparation

• Pour pecan-flour caramel mixture into cooled crust.
• Melt 116g chocolate chips with 90g heated cream, then pour over caramel layer.
• Beat 678g cream cheese, 144g brown sugar, and 24g flour until smooth.
• Mix in 230g sour cream and 22g vanilla extract.
• Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing slowly.
• Pour batter over chocolate layer.

Baking

• Place springform pan in a water bath.
• Bake for 1 hour 35 minutes at 148°C (300°F).
• Turn off oven, leave door closed for 30 minutes.
• Crack oven door open for another 30 minutes.
• Remove cheesecake from oven and water bath.

Finishing Touches

• Spread 1/2 cup of reserved caramel sauce over cheesecake.
• Refrigerate for 5-6 hours until firm.
• Remove from springform pan.
• Prepare chocolate drizzle: Melt 58g chocolate chips with 45g heated cream.
• Drizzle remaining caramel and chocolate sauces over cheesecake.
• Sprinkle with additional pecan chips.
• Refrigerate until serving. Enjoy your delicious Turtle Cheesecake!

Keyword cheesecake, desert, turtle cheesecake